This official is so weak

Ning Rushen still didn’t know that the letter was sent incorrectly. He sat at his desk, his fingertips lightly tapping on the letter.zZBqbHfMVkPsPKPhSKBVifUgKiFbAW

fEKIOcqURwRjqnn

Yan Min was puzzled, “Sir, what happened?”vhiflSzypNPkQAzllbQHXqSJFKolSp

QQWizIvwsZgeDrG

“Beijiang!” Yan Min exclaimed, “Sir, with your condition… how can you endure such hardship in that place? It’s better to let someone else go.”jneuCdQzdcPSBGjDXuwieTkIDJyQfg

aoZUzKkpLSXwqty

Ning Rushen’s mind recalled Li Wuting’s stressed and flustered appearance and sighed, “Moreover, the Dingyuan Army has treated me well before. When I hurriedly left the capital, they even left me many gifts…”MbrVbSaHEMFJJYBlmcACTFIspKAXKU

caAojQFMqHxDlTW

Yan Min was speechless for a moment and then advised, “There’s no need to go to such a far place risking your life; staying in the capital would be better.”NYlcaoEXVHIuvyZtcvnVXdTdgmwKbp

sWiTMfqtsEaGjFf

He remembered that night when Li Wuting had taken him to the city walls, where he saw the bustling capital at a glance.gvZDjpxAWZknKiAkRApdPKTgWdVsMd

fvoRYEwvvaNFHBg

Without the Dingyuan Army, he probably wouldn’t have seen these things.KanvrCksddinMGSkomPasnAOkOhUHV

CPgSyjaCmgalQoL

Yan Min urged loudly, “The capital is good; just stay here!”sFHkKwQbNybQzmRKlxgxjpTYEoyKMW

OVvEAFHVTmmHSVv

Ning Rushen was startled by the loud voice, his thoughts becoming chaotic. He couldn’t help but cover his ears.LaVzXtOOUpTQcmVxyDTsstPYyuoXpf

yKQfrupdDxkELhz

Yan Min immediately fell silent, clenching his fist, and turned to leave.ccGQMfchMxDWexprNisilAApLYfJbb

omOCyUXgnhVwniW

Ning Rushen sat and calmed down, then stood up to put the letter back in his room.JQScqZGolFYnDframmpDKBLfIIEiKf

nfoLfhNiLjjcVCV

Sunlight was streaming through the window, illuminating a piece of embroidered cloth quietly folded in the corner of the drawer.mrFGxqbwwIMmAhhTqiOXxcKVBqlVkE

HauznnmCyDJHeAE

Ning Rushen’s gaze flickered, and his actions suddenly paused.cZKaJfahVDspMYaLPQejPHwnMHKewT

nBKGkhZveGmACbX

He reached out to unfold the embroidered cloth and saw that it had four simple characters stitched on it: “Bright Moon, Clear Wind.”NndSRSJkjJvRZPhrmLmoVioneDyFSn

CGLppVCxiBEVrSJ

Countless scenes flashed by: from the bustling crowd that night to the bright lights, finally lingering on Li Wuting’s gaze as he looked up with his forehead resting against his hand.qgDhtwCgITwlWZHNEVCvIvMGZIKmIl

ONALvuqGjvKRxaU

Ning Rushen felt as though he had been scorched by a flame.GLSKTTRXrbCdqglhzgqSAcTtglJRZE

DhdIpSgbvkgpyfB

He stood by the desk for a while, took a deep breath, and then turned to call out:STBvlEqIfeDIQmKqwKGajxANcBmWnT

hyyatXrVfuIPDVq

“Uncle Yan, go to the palace.”bJFkxoMiaznHMEDRejwndEwnAEFAcf

EAGcRFfhHoYZdRi

…PzafVQMZdyZmbsvpRAWHhAZqoxMyZQ

sRjvwNlVgLJSFEy

Upon entering the palace, he was informed that the Emperor was in the Yangxin Palace.sSNtWOYrOchSqZsEAjPpDtAutpiKOj

LCwdiecQgAiOFpV

Ning Rushen followed the palace attendant all the way there.dBNUFeoksAlSeqbLSmgqdgyoceojgi

quSVIXngeQufLxn

He entered the hall and saw Li Wuting sitting in front of a low couch, his eyes cold, and his expression not looking good.zbUMENvAkxlomiZozakyqYbtdprqzC

nojTVjsQiqlWknh

…Was he still worrying about the military supervisor matter?nUaZlUNqQGEEGfHmiUERbqqYNfiofy

ZvrUfNrnJOWonyS

Ning Rushen spoke up, “Your Majesty.”WarjwyhKEXwOPepGExmzJHcNmiyrqM

gTxOijyfuLVDEAw

As soon as he spoke, there was no response.sQVntgurgcDLerqqHlQDWGJjSLSqlk

oBnqehBIadRFkEs

He was reflecting whether he had taken too much or eaten too much in front of the Emperor recently, or if it was because he hadn’t seen Li Wuting for eight hours, making him unhappy—yFaOYVjSVSZVyePRxMKUAJgeKaJCgJ

WBcNmaMpalwrJUY

Suddenly, a voice spoke up, “Have you received a letter from Huo Mian?”bHMmGZVpuOTsgmicbseUIsjPxYZwAx

cqZObXdJWRCpksk

Ning Rushen was surprised, “How does Your Majesty know?”dHJCMJDgcIOIQkWnctTIRcczmlIPMb

DDLtNaVAzGxzZAS

Li Wuting stood up, sneering, “I also know what he wrote to you.” ??? How did he know this?SwtixDOclmCTtcWchbsQkDVUHSeKGs

gLyMHzHIkwShOHO

In his confusion, Li Wuting casually tossed a stack of papers from the low table. Ning Rushen leaned in with curiosity:STGKZIRfcUEQinVIZRrlYbdGcSDhWF

ZWgbrfMIJGvIdXk

On the pages, big and flamboyant characters read—vwJJDTasxLpNlUVthyrIdYhwwsGEer

QtMkYuLSaDjDuqX

“Sir Ning, come quickly!!!”FHFMryJOhQALEOHuGrKJSeVEdqlrtC

HrQeUXocogPZPFW

“………” He was immediately stunned!OXyVsQTJuZrdotrthzFqWVHpUQPcZK

mZQTsDnuTvLdBZb

Wait, Huo Mian… didn’t he accidentally put the letter in the wrong envelope?BZFzpQppMvdJJRxoEWsaqObNpebutj

fbSjRcKYxpTkipX

As if confirming his suspicion, he moved his gaze to the back of the page and saw a full list of dish names, with an added note: North Border Specialty Recipes.kxEvblCtcSxPwoqSbzpMbZDzbEEndd

EVzCsxvRPAOszdm

Ning Rushen remained silent for a while, his throat suspiciously moving.ABfTcybGYCguUDUNxYaTUAbJJlmjhI

PnlzKXvGCIzObFF

Li Wuting, who was watching silently, “……”sWVAGiqbAfKsNmKvRPvljstBDaEDcw

dpPGMpwNwspquqW

A large hand flipped through the stack of papers.aeUrCUEZmNffbQXFudlAkSvwNphIuM

vGzXfMEhIbIiULl

“Enough.” Li Wuting pinched his brow in frustration. He was so angry he lost his temper. Why show this to him?YrmCBFNlwBCcWHnkHpuzofSpyfUCgX

nSFpOqtyzLVcFQZ

Ning Rushen reluctantly withdrew his gaze.CkTzciqYIZHiUVsDUWxFIlzYCXBKjV

MTIwNHntoCOSBuJ

It seemed he saw roasted buns and slices of lamb…iSaWhHmlggLqAkMpBekcvunSNaxFlp

hTKqVPwoQPMRwMZ

Li Wuting looked at him for a while and then pressed his lips together, “Ning Qing, why did you come?”pODsQyUsHWoAQtfORPjJpHRDYvGjoM

AXbizDOjxRRcEKi

Ning Rushen’s attention was finally pulled back.bUMhKcWFJGNiifSehwUSUbDclcsiuu

VFAdDZmDWMxtFSH

He mentally prepared for two seconds, took a slight breath, and spoke, “Your Majesty, I request to be appointed as the military supervisor.”ZcnRydEWJcfvCMXAuvBcicolNPYnlW

VZxNGUQEIxRprkf

There was a prolonged silence in the hall.LSfuIgkarMOXLPJcgahPaDbXMZNNRk

pBirCaXyDMFRbIW

De Quan beside them was startled and quickly glanced at the Emperor!nedQPmaTqOWiAesKiMHtPsZhqSmKcZ

HGXxwpjuxxmrYLA

The candle flame on the purple sandalwood lampstand flickered slightly, and there seemed to be a shifting light in Li Wuting’s deep-set eyes.XgbZCrYTiTvhenjqtXThFuQOiwhMoQ

hVLeFSFQQgTEVWB

After a moment of silence, he slightly moved his Adam’s apple and looked down at Ning Rushen, “You want to volunteer for the position of military supervisor?”BnBAalGmotOabPUuHrumeGluNZrKGP

iYOHgZihhYzlDjm

Ning Rushen’s breath became somewhat erratic under his gaze, “Yes…”sNroXnvMIDZtmOkDmOMMoTqOlrkQKU

ADjiVXsWuFahZYa

Li Wuting’s voice was low, “Do you know what kind of place Beijiang is?”dDVuNbDLTbVYPxjqbzoyweAZxagGDn

MKiLuBKahjRPFxW

The homeland of roasted buns and lamb slices…KHQJNAUbwVUhrnZNBOkwthnkOPYpLV

bRmCyNMDEVnVyTU

Ning Rushen swallowed and still said, “I know.”moaBZibjBjeGyMUCDZHwHFlLesqMAw

WWTnzRoihFMKljM

Li Wuting seemed to finally show some anger, “Knowing that and still—”xmlAgTWCLaQaLLSXPqZpQHyGXLazGE

zpFFykFMdUeLAkO

Ning Rushen faced that gaze, paused for two seconds, and then took out a folded embroidered piece from his belt, the “Bright Moon, Clear Wind” he had received that night.hciRRrwsTEWhwVQYZLxarbsWelvVhw

KVALbjehyiqaWNd

He looked at Li Wuting, “Your Majesty…”kKGSEIONHppJypnXSfPrGrPObjpmaa

zoGGYEMfBXHHKXv

The four characters “Bright Moon, Clear Wind” fell into view.OOQDfDgFezPAFfXMorvfBMIPvYXlEW

XehbIloUsTcHfvC

Li Wuting’s heart trembled, and his hand by his side tightened. After a moment, he couldn’t help but grasp Ning Rushen’s wrist and pull him closer—HqsOWuPoDZamTetaDIuxdTANNrDiEh

JQkldFoDbVIbZKh

“Ah!” Ning Rushen was suddenly pulled forward.KphqXrFGoWNeizpisvmgqSRGcvCVuT

jXOWmIEqOpNVPDZ

He almost collided with Li Wuting but managed to stop just before. The large hand gripping him was very tight, its warmth making his heart race.kdqLCksRccOuoieGSkOrsQwHGUkXoP

FkIRvnvDRKCmeOw

Ning Rushen’s heart pounded as he looked up, “Your Majesty?”PSUZfvNXqQKaiwfIuotqKjisWjHWgn

bXQVmCFSoVVQzyo

In the moment of looking up, their breaths intertwined.vQtFHiATqDyhIkHqQCBuvfnPVARDXx

VKnndfjMboZbTYZ

Li Wuting restrained some emotions and lowered his head to look at him for a while, his eyelashes trembling slightly:SqVnTMYEEcynuIIgnLJnoPYGSSjFWY

SEpybbjKYTzdAWY

“Have you really made up your mind?”LiAyuTckPjKZTOVcPLGunWybcDcFea

nQCSZlYeVaPthSm

Ning Rushen felt his waist weaken and ears heat under the grip, “Yes.”BzsMzdQKShsoDPMhExVLXGcgGyfuut

AiwNkNXwRYRtMSj

The rough fingers lightly brushed against him again.QnJVGUoBkvcUMYfIPKOFgBjbjzauoy

fppSECFKgFLcSCb

Li Wuting’s voice, sounding like a jest with an unclear meaning, said:AbVJHPDnwcQUGENxqEoXFjgWWYDLXy

LARlRjAnMZtVmJL

“If you want to eat roasted lamb… those, the imperial kitchen can make them too.”UBpNOqQtHUMIITszbVsgaIrlSjxUWQ

FJOFFrwisIjtUWi

Ning Rushen felt dizzy, “But… it wouldn’t be authentic.”OdycIZEkMAxbnCfYyfumOGNTgcsDLe

aVcKlPlmxNsFKIJ

There was a sudden silence for a few seconds.ySUGsBSkrrBWRPlzglmomLcuBttYDZ

mwcGHsRWSGpuoMl

Ning Rushen became clear-headed for a moment, “Moreover, I’m going for the people of Da Cheng.”hkOjCoqSTkwhLtUdWwKkafiBpDYWfW

ocamkViFOHTiKtG

“…”TqnpzCdetsqHZrPVOdhuzJaUDKDDfh

PWQhIEBoYwcvrwV

After holding his hand for a while, Li Wuting finally let go.qLSNqNZfSocMeUKVGHmELGdfnxdzfS

sIHbygRjWgTdVKT

The hand in mid-air paused for a moment and gently rested on Ning Rushen’s shoulder, with the fingertips touching his exposed collarbone through the thin fabric.olMlYZeqbSvKGBpwmFMKpOlizoupWJ

WZBwyTnomTuGWZB

Li Wuting seemed to exhale, “I understand.”akOVMvEXGdRZyYQWzEriMRxCFrqdVW

BqdQYaqmMLjmezP

De Quan beside them became anxious, “Your Majesty!!”WiydnkJfmpIKfBpzyNDVIuMzYqtvUK

JzAlJQaamkEJjFe

The dark sleeve lifted to stop him.HQUFSwvoPSjClykOCUdePBxjhBjJlJ

JMjiWYDaqVUEllO

Li Wuting’s gaze fell on Ning Rushen, “I will issue an edict tomorrow. Military matters are urgent, so even if I…” His deep-set eyes hid the unfinished meaning, “You need to set out as soon as possible.”XnJWSQdjwRXuqnaAhXchUGFyzdBQoc

LIdgSIAEeAcYxVW

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, “Yes.”NTZEInIBlMpJjNgtZXwSoXJCSkgjEB

GaTRcqvPieiGnAU

The hand on his shoulder lightly tapped and then withdrew.IAkiEwOazWHbXJDpnJqYFDffMMMDEO

reOgPolfKXBGDEE

Li Wuting looked down, “You may leave.”wwSIgnbYPFlfnQTKpvjpEcIWjxHxyV

KCIhsTsngoTfGHn

“Mm…” Ning Rushen, about to leave, suddenly remembered, “By the way, the urgent letter sent by General Huo, should I still present it to Your Majesty?”UIGkWBKnBCvKQzrXZOZBOKRHPoBIMA

HzXNGqvTlGjHUvc

Li Wuting sneered, “No need.”kZRJwBsNqifkphpDKZnLgffbDDHOEz

HGmIFbKARYhfioD

“…” Was that a hint of killing intent?euLoVwCKzqGlMxzDElGunbkgCVVvvn

roEDUUYxPhBvUUR

Ning Rushen touched his nose and prepared to withdraw. Just as he turned, he was suddenly called back—yvaFfwwaNnkiNCYFIRMHKyGQtKofwg

WvdZUPmKKHherQI

“Forget it, send someone to deliver it.” Li Wuting’s face was on the edge of a smile, “I want to see how General Huo’s heartfelt words persuaded Ning Qing.”CAZfnhEbYxcUuZZaoDICTLxAXtzCEY

dpFlhYbrCXkJyGV

Ning Rushen: .UJQIGvPgrkNcNOZcSEOJVexlKnogGS

pDTliybinhsqONP

He responded and withdrew.cYVtqWwjfCrCEDLKXceCkvfbuVZUfd

xPHZIgBNFBOBdCx

Once Ning Rushen’s figure disappeared outside the hall, Li Wuting finally looked away and lowered his gaze.juRUpAxYygxyygOUAuKYaTtfyxMEmT

dNlvoBSwVjCNtaB

De Quan, unable to contain himself, said, “Your Majesty! How can you send Sir Ning so far away?”kHwdYToXKqpDvOzJphXZOZTOaVItVy

aYJVexkqIUnPtvN

Li Wuting spoke in a deep voice, “If he is determined, I am willing to help him achieve both literary and martial accomplishments.”bDcqIPOgBHULuxAeSGpBVEqlHJbhTK

ItlHrADnMwonGee

De Quan was momentarily stunned but then seemed to understand something.cVFRuidAUdYkoqUdhzhCIfNGiegfUT

rETkycZhqvBejeV

He felt a pang of sorrow, “Your Majesty has thought this through carefully.”gPrcohYcylyBwNBOKpkJvdwmUTmuXV

YcAEJyYWVuturtL

Li Wuting continued, “Moreover…”vAIenexsdQmJiENTxkujvdNqKWsZNC

xBQGpdNsTiDdBMd

Moreover? De Quan looked up but saw that Li Wuting did not continue. The Emperor appeared lost in thought, his gaze fixed on the horizon outside the hall, as if looking at a distant place.LSJDFKlcRQEhVnJRwwrTkqdlzixumf

qoBJCBKkSRzQwcw

De Quan was bewildered and could not make sense of it.moMHLVCRaguKzghQUaCMuKSCoziFZM

CgaGgXlmMbMvMtK

He turned back to his own worries:wyBvgWngCUisbhyOeNYvsBpvcAQblp

tOJppvxQDuupzlE

But with the Emperor’s intense emotions… will Sir Ning really be able to endure such a long journey?bTxlgAVRsmUvmcOyOPZJLxPcXnjbdt

xoIETTMNceKjSwB

·XnRIhgVjXGDTsQioqibvlsmDnjgIFB

oheVLlZbmHNAkIs

After returning to his residence, Ning Rushen had his belongings packed.tirYgWCFgGVdrnSvHNghYZunfIvLUz

XIkdrZptOqYkwnA

The next day, the edict appointing him as the military supervisor was issued, causing a stir in the court!GYHwVsFxFPkPUBOaRXrqIBVGTkUvcD

oxJUejSVYGIFiWL

It seemed both reasonable and unexpected.aqlHROrGyEQvXCeAwqZKrzfWHXuXeU

tWwHIoRnGJDIMIZ

With the urgency of the military situation, he was to depart the following day.nIbymYvpoLMnJMxzqLxlagNYfSPqPh

GAULDQDxsGkrEFU

After leaving the court, Ning Rushen bid farewell to a group of colleagues who had come to see him off, then went straight back to his residence to prepare for his departure the next day.MSVOvWwvgURnzzxJIRzaWOUxujjBmP

JuxjJQOgXemfPeZ

Not long after he returned, Geng Yan arrived.JYWtZcgItXMustsCWBDnsGaGqMThcQ

TlCRxwJWmAIQhSF

Geng Yan unceremoniously sat down in his courtyard, observing the busy servants of the residence.pFsPjpWmEvBmDDRyVEQJYjjVUnsVnY

ohhWcJvBPkGgkLq

“You’re really leaving, huh? It’s so sudden.”uWOtCoNkYLAaXZyrCqpkxdvjGwhGjs

UtMNRAhDbSnxuOP

Ning Rushen nodded, “I also find it very sudden.”DNoIwSZvuDUVMoaOKafZvrvYXQoJQA

AfyAFPfBcfBtfNj

The urgent letter from Huo Mian had come without any warning.aeobqIVMjoXmPSskTluXXuAwJgGeRU

rFfBrTLkqQsELBJ

But thinking about the two letters that were sent incorrectly, he suspected Huo Mian might have been the most surprised.VTFEqiCAkbUSEOQnqwftQZKUwskEjV

zzwtoJsJKhmaMcC

Geng Yan suddenly had an idea and said, “So if you leave, I won’t be able to see the Emperor anymore if I come to climb your courtyard walls?”bHKfikAxxdepxLbARVNWZoFWlcagrr

guwpZTiPEBSqhyB

Ning Rushen was speechless, “Why would you climb the walls when I’m gone? Are you really here to steal something?”lAUJzHZGYfPtkgldQqibFcEhnTEsjy

sdLnCGVpWZvPnEV

Geng Yan seemed to find this reasonable and pointed out sharply, “Why didn’t you refute the last sentence!”yikSfKcvRiNbAnpzudfOztqBpbnDit

HYxjtESKuKKEbwe

Ning Rushen: “…”EzxEziTmBiWzTZOnWzMKSfKbtJqMdK

jsbthXWpFjcsLcj

Seeing Geng Yan’s smug face, he gave him a kick!RJIEHNHztLpHTUKoovmWRneJNBhyfI

lchluubIUFKWwIe

Geng Yan, “Ow!!!”YmORztiSZJhTttUFDlojjPVVUGUdwq

qYcxFnEKRaCwoqc

After sending the uninvited Geng Yan away, Ning Rushen returned to the courtyard. Before he could dwell on the unintended remark, he looked up and saw someone new in the yard—OjmsKbCOqLKRAPWrZtOdwUlDMwfuVA

UBeiFLrVTpakvpV

By the side of Shi Yi, Lu Wu was carrying a large bundle and looking at him.YuzjMEZwZsGFQTsXKSdGiqUYtNeoqt

fbfanZUWhrOwHWB

The familiar scene made him momentarily dazed.QYMCMkviWfXBpZbmRdSOLYemlayMEC

YfZHmkjSwcKjvpn

Then he steadied himself and asked, “Why are you here?”wfEeuggbpceRZcHPgvYbnRUcKKVMsG

EWMqqkmOiXIvqSJ

Lu Wu replied, “The Emperor said that Shi Yi and I should accompany you to Beijiang and stay with you from now on.” He added, “Except for your orders, we will not take any other commands.”CPWmZedSabgWVViqWRyvyBjTriBsrF

xunbYItwLudSvhH

Ning Rushen’s heart skipped a beat, and he slightly opened his mouth: …IUTwnGRVutgzArAWvCqiMrLDefrUVx

NqkBkMmirOHwKjq

Li Wuting had completely sent Shi Yi and Lu Wu with him.hLvwgYahDVkSKtnzsieegcbMkHrRdQ

dOXmiWPzmYOcEhD

After a moment, he nodded, “Thank you for your Majesty’s arrangement.”lfKjvwopqgidguCpjUqQFHcSDpqVGd

bflPLuSJQVhLBUw

The departure was scheduled for noon the next day.EHocsfBCsKdeUPtNqCYXMDLdjzNzbb

BLLJXqxSdnPEWSP

Ning Rushen had packed lightly, bringing only a few essentials.KrUKgVDtavWJEXZaRiOdJYmyXwvJbb

RXkzrehimatmjHT

Yan Min and the others stayed in the capital to manage the estate; he took only two sturdy spoons and a team of guards with him.DcZhGQArLbFrGsbSFHYcMWLCSyQakZ

uDXCSpwyHnTRubF

As he left the residence and climbed into the carriage, he cast one last glance toward the palace, where Li Wuting’s face immediately appeared in his mind.CzptgoWhonGDqPKtZsKTXZvGejyfLF

TycHSqZYYxSQeLy

He had no idea how long this journey would take…bcEnAnrGJlZvKJnQQbmxwFAELzcpgo

mumIGEcnmkABqCl

Ning Rushen felt a fleeting, unusual emotion. He paused and said, “Should I… go bid farewell to His Majesty again?”kYAWdiKyNPufGTXnjUrBqlaWOvSrzM

oWcuBIPxPkECoEC

Before he could get a response, Lu Wu beside the carriage said, “No need.”QBFDzINXeLnojAwbZPLQySGrZpZVdX

kMjdiXXdpNnUMAV

Ning Rushen turned, puzzled, “What?”ECvpsLMPxtSqgdyoiTzRsFBMwYCGEe

CyHWVvKvfGnsquZ

Lu Wu explained, “His Majesty instructed that due to the urgency of the military situation, you need not go to the palace.”QiUekWUXXjhRXfbzFPRyIgZKhuRCUv

rkkyffZuIRuhNDV

Ning Rushen was momentarily confused.uLjOeiRLfvXMEezsmQyNHsyFzBCwsB

FKANTIGEyxqYPFi

… Not seeing him? What did that mean? Was he being abandoned?QRcdxnwfUSTpIEzTvATzaESlzprqpB

FYrUBXvFEGlKTYb

He pressed his lips together, then lifted the curtain and climbed into the carriage. “Oh.”njBRURxmSDkApJdzClhpgDbmNtPAWx

ZEnMxDcfrriQkgg

The carriage rolled toward the northern city gate.YfWgpRrnjUSvKSlMqiuMdOvnrCWlWn

CtPFjcZVqvpPMiT

As Ning Rushen sat in the carriage, still pondering the matter, he didn’t notice where the carriage had reached.oyVkGQrJrSikhiGuZUPdGvHTsbBLGU

pKsgetbOPhxjByX

Suddenly, the carriage jolted.EOwWLbuofJPaQdLKpXcStdovoGOWqX

tRVaiDHsJjRCTZR

It had stopped. Ning Rushen lifted the curtain and asked, “What’s…”wDJXBaGqYkwbKMCVVsJgjXeESTaOrI

TrwLTKyDISalwhd

His question stopped abruptly when he saw a tall, deep green figure outside the post station—pZAXsZWIeZZOLHydgothtvkBFIcSgk

YeVaAZGWGJgzLpg

On the dusty official road, Li Wuting stood with his side facing him.oBIZosSgXrNOpTwhEcpNYbnGgcDYqR

BUsTXgnzGSYFHUK

His tall and upright figure was as steady as a mountain, his cold and handsome profile looking ethereal amidst the desolate countryside, his blue attire appearing as elegant as jade.JhkYrttxMJNVKIJuASJGKLfsCXmRXY

NsLCxWccGXPGEwe

Ning Rushen’s chaotic thoughts came to a sudden halt:fcILdcHATvjEabtKRBZRiNvNOtxoiR

bUAVrmBvvkggQnd

“… Your Majesty.”JnDklYilYnGiSVdLWEhwpPTYfjPSBR

TUAsyUYVYEeCncH

Li Wuting looked at him and said softly, “Aren’t you coming down? Are you waiting for me to help you?”BHGjJSBtLWCEgNlYQkGwGlcLPsaLuw

yUeDWUeBolPXrFQ

Ning Rushen snapped back to reality, hurriedly lifting the curtain and jumping down from the carriage.EKseUHVvVrBfFYFEBqUyyKCOacYQzd

iorEjHiyqBxLtLQ

He walked a few steps to Li Wuting.aISZNfXunNRuzCgiAGVMSMadqjMZDq

YasMyTDyxknGdza

If not for De Quan’s familiar, beaming smile beside him, he would have thought this was an illusion:YtkRJtAcfouNCAlJaPiWEVVvvaJvkM

lPEsiYSCRcelLhp

“Why has Your Majesty come in person?”rlfaREUwMwRfQClejrKkYCDZqTYKGc

LYLAYZrHcihIYur

Li Wuting replied quietly, “Don’t you want to see me?”LHgrWwNuQvClchYODIAwwfZAWFLXVi

yqoiQsvaZpUIJlc

Ning Rushen moved his lips, “… It’s not that.”woZwqwLZJHEhIWqIFuglUtDnoNrPNI

dGkuMVtkhdUcoNo

The guards on either side lowered their heads and closed their ears, standing quietly as if they hadn’t heard anything.JcVvFxjZfeTRSMNirSGaVUOIPRQeYB

ywjGchirjykkrJT

Li Wuting watched him for a moment, then said, “Walk with me.”MYnMwNbYTLcFUxQOePXmsJTXgwrHtf

ZjfLIUmoQFScHhs

Ning Rushen agreed and stepped forward.czvAiEndHZhALqMRWMVQhYPdmnELIo

eoeaTsWaZgtOvts

Outside was a vast, boundless wilderness, with overgrown grass stretching to the horizon.RJZygEEamWKBpLXfTqWnanqvEVsclk

ezrDmMtEKYARbEm

A gentle breeze stirred the grass, creating a rustling sound.DKIkCAFKYiDNcfRWgTRFYTVvPYpMdZ

xyUYiKkxaFviqNC

Li Wuting remained silent, and Ning Rushen also said nothing.wZLuswFKTsXPWJhDtaPylMqJLDiLUc

jyXxbiLrpYniBCE

They walked for a while, until they were out of earshot of anyone else. Li Wuting stopped, looking at the distant horizon where the grass met the sky. He called, “Ning Qing.”qIxKpbRUFGTHjhCyQarsOCMPbxSdqK

WlDPoOJIttldMZB

Ning Rushen turned to look, “Yes?”UjlgHjQBiNPawzPZHQBeOLREwtIWBy

nqcuVGGxUAPVnPL

“On this journey…”yKPSyzxrKfcneQQTbHtHUEhqmBTSbQ

JLxVsleGXtxVmdk

Li Wuting began but then stopped abruptly.YVMfDHWOwgZAowIEebCeXBwnybpvsC

yIFXZtWwDlrjcNP

He turned to face Ning Rushen, his eyes reflecting a myriad of unsaid words. His fingers, hidden in his sleeves, curled slightly. In the end, he could not resist—StofsxqxHlzoRcfcxGSZwlzWKYOEac

NYRtxqPbxJaZVAO

He reached out and embraced Ning Rushen.oaqEvJMOliVBhcZhWgJcmVuZZenaiW

drpgKcwbUByCSCP

Ning Rushen was suddenly held in the Emperor’s arms, his heart racing. He was momentarily stunned, feeling the warmth and firmness of the embrace.NrumTsQdEPNFGvgzIRIJXIDUxYZIdP

pFphsDeLNarUzEs

Li Wuting then whispered near his ear, which had turned red in surprise, “Wait for me.”aEizvNAdqVrjZVuHjxZHGotdneagFU

OHBeCcZnNtXaTkU